Zachary Quinto has hinted that villainous character Khan may appear in the next Star Trek movie.

Screenwriters Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman had previously revealed that they were scouring through novels based on the original TV series, later adding that "the best idea [for the follow-up] wins, original or old".

The 32-year-old actor, who played Spock in the summer blockbuster, said that the sequel is a priority for the scribes and filmmaker J.J. Abrams.

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Quinto told Sci-Fi Wire: "Star Trek is a priority, certainly, but I don't think anybody's in a hurry. Of course, the fans and the studio would love it to come out next summer if it could.

"I think it's going to be much better served by taking time and being clear about the story that they want to tell. Whether or not that involves Khan or Mr [William] Shatner remains to be seen."

Abrams recently confirmed that he is considering Shatner and The Wrath Of Khan character for the update.